Bernie Sanders

As the Presidential primary is drawing to a close, Bernie Sanders declared that the Democratic presidential process should not be decided by party leaders and elected officials.  He is predicting a presidential convention between him and his opponent Hillary Clinton.  Even though Mr. Sanders has not been doing well in the poles, he has promised not to give up and he will preserver through the election.

Peter Olache

http://globalnews.ca/news/2742070/bernie-sanders-predicts-democratic-convention-will-be-contested/

Not easy to be a journalist in Ukraine

A Ukrainan journalist (who is being anonymous in the article) recently found out that he was blackmailed as a terrorist by Ukrainian officials, because he covered both sides of the conflict against Russia. The case brings the question down to what we discussed earlier this term: who is a terrorist? The term is tough to identify, and is very arbitrarily used worldwide by all different parts. Regardless if he should be branched as a terrorist or not, it has certainly affected his personal safety. Powerful people in Ukraine can go after him if they want to. The problem highlights the existing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Victor Krueeger
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/06/world/europe/reporter-branded-terrorist-ukraine.html?ref=world&_r=0

Worrying signs from South Africa

Julius Malema, the leader of the opposition party in South Africa, "Economic Freedom Fighters", says his party will not hesitate to use violence if the ruling party (ANC) uses violence against them. There have been earlier incidents in Johannesburg and Gauteng, where the government has responded with violence from calls to discussions from the opposition party. To understand the situation clearer, Malema says that his party are not really fighting ANC or president Zuma (who is black). Instead they are fighting "the white monopoly capital". The fact that the opposition leader openly announces that his group are willing to revolt the regime is worrisome.

Victor Krueeger
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/malema-remove-zuma-barrel-gun-160422185731596.html

Police officer's wife slain in possible 'militant revenge' in Bangladesh

A decorated anti-terror officer's wife, Mahmuda Khanam Mitu, was killed by three men close to her home on the way to drop her son off at the school bus stop. This attack was brutal - Mitu was stabbed eight times and shot in the back of the head. The police believe this to be revenge on Mitu's husband, Babul Akter, who is a prominent figure in the anti-terror movement in Bangladesh. Akter was the mastermind behind many high-profile operations against the Islamist terror group Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Due to these operations, Akter faced many threats and therefore this brutal crime is considered to be militant revenge. Sadly, Akter's wife is not the only one who has faced death in recent days - over the span of 14 months there have been 35 attacks carried out by terror groups. While some police officers are working hard to combat this violence, Amnesty International has recently stated that the Bangladesh authorities are not discouraging the killings. These awful events will hopefully be diminished over the next few months - if not, other countries and the international community may have to interfere.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/05/asia/bangladesh-officer-wife-killed/index.html

Haley Kuck

France floods claim three more lives as massive mop-up begins-CNN

As of Saturday, French citizens finally saw a drop in water levels from the Seine River finally showing an end to the miserable flooding. Unfortunately, new deaths are still being reported as the water levels subside, a total of three others.

South of Paris has recieved the most water damage putting many towns underwater. An estimated 20,000 people have been evacuated and have had the help of the army to evacuate others. 

By: Katie Cotter
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/04/europe/france-germany-floods/index.html

All tigers removed from Thailand Tiger Temple-CNN

After officials made their last confiscation on Saturday, a total of 137 tigers have been taken from the Tiger Sanctuary, a Buddhist temple in Thialand. The director of the department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant conservation stated they "looked" fairly healthy, but only a throughough examination will tell.

Over the course of the week Federal officials have found suspicious items along with the tigers including frozen baby tigers, tiger teeth, and Ta Krud (which are pieces of tiger skin wrapped around pendants). All of which consisted in rather large numbers raising concerns and more questions.

By: Katie Cotter
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/04/asia/thailand-temple-tigers-removed/index.html

Iraqi Army Ill-Equipped to Retake Mosul

The American and Iraqi armies are embarking on a campaign to retake the city of Mosul from ISIS, but the Iraqi forces are weak and such an assault would most likely fail without US aid. Most of the Iraqis' equipment needs to be replaced and the soldiers need better training. Added to that is the oppressive summer heat in Iraq and the coming holy month of Ramadan, when most Muslims fast during the day. The Americans are air-lifting equipment right to the front lines and are trying to organize a supply chain from Baghdad to Mosul.

-William Dawes

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/world/middleeast/iraqi-army-seen-as-ill-equipped-to-retake-mosul-from-isis-despite-us-aid.html?ref=world

Olympics: Rio 2016's 'perfect storm'

As the Summer Olympics grow closer, the spotlight has shifted majorly onto Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. Many are starting to think that the city may not be adequately prepared to host such a large event. In the last few months a series of events have been causing continuous problems in the city. Officials assure the world that there is nothing to be concerned about and that everything will be ready when the crowds arrive in July.

However, the country has been racked with concerns in health safety, political strife, crime, and pollution. With the spread of the Zika virus, many are concerned about the event, but the WHO has only advised pregnant women from travelling there. Recently, the president of Brazil was suspended which has caused some public kickback. The economic situation in Brazil is quite dire with high levels of unemployment and even high levels of crime that have already affected visiting Olympic teams. On top of all this, the bay outside of Rio where many events will be taking place is terribly polluted. Many question whether this years Olympics will be a success or if it has been cursed since the beginning.

Blake Mitchell

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/03/sport/olympics-rio-2016-zika-dilma-rousseff-crisis/index.html

How Wealthy Americans Hid Millions Overseas

The release of the Panama Papers brought to light a list of people who had placed large sums of money into offshore bank accounts. Although many of these accounts are legal, the international firm Mossack Fonseca apparently did more than set up these accounts, offering a guide on how to skirt US tax  and disclosure laws. Although the Treasury allows US citizens to send money overseas, this money must be declared to the department. Mossack Fonseca has claimed it has done nothing illegal and that it is the victim of a hacking attack.

-William Dawes

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/06/us/panama-papers.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Taliban Attack on Afghan Court Leaves 7 Dead

In what was described on Twitter as a retaliatory attack for the "execution of six martyred Taliban fighters", 3 assailants stormed an Afghan court that left several prosecutors and judges dead. The attack on the courthouse in Pui-i-Alam, the capital of the Logar providence, touched off a 90-minute firefight with Afghan security forces.

Among the dead was the director of provincial attorney general's office. At least 23 people were wounded in addition to the seven killed.

Sunday's attack appears to be the third such retaliatory attack in the month following the execution of six Taliban insurgents.

A similar attack last Wednesday on an appellate court building left six dead, including a police officer. There, a suicide bomber set off his vest  in front of the court, while three additional insurgents were killed by Afghan forces before they could do the same.

And then, on May 25, a suicide bomber in Kabul destroyed a van filled with court workers. All 11 people inside were killed.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/05/asia/taliban-afghanistan-court-attack/

Adam Poklop

Switzerland Rejects Basic Income

A Referendum that would have provided every Swiss citizen with a monthly income was soundly defeated at the polls. Results show 77 percent of voters opposed the plan, while just 23 percent--less than a quarter--supported it.

Even within the Swiss Parliament, support was thin. While several politicians supported the referendum, no parliamentary party came out in support of the plan. Regardless, the idea garnered the necessary 100 thousand signatures to become a referendum and therefore directly voted on by the Swiss public.

If the plan would have passed, Swiss adults would have received the equivalent of about $2,500 on a monthly basis. The money would be delivered regardless of people's work status.

Switzerland's vote appears to be the first of its kind, but won't be the last. The Finnish government is considering a plan that would give basic income to around 8 thousand low-income people.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36454060

Adam Poklop

Bahrain releases activist Zainab al-Khawaja

Opposition activist  Zainab al kjawaja  and her 17 old month  son  were released after being arrested and imprisoned in march.   She was arrested for ripping up a photo of the king  Hamad, and choose to be jailed with her son, who was with her during the time of arrest.  The decision to releases was announced during  a press conference with the Bahrain foreign   minister   and  Secretary of State John Kerry.  The grounds fore there realase was based on humanitarian reasons according to the Bahrian  foreign ministry.  Brian Dooley  of Washing Human Rights First said in  a statement" while
"they are out of rather than in prison, this is no major breakthrough for human rights, (and) no indicator of fundamental reform”.


Thomas Baggot
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/bahrain-releases-activist-zainab-al-khawaja

Migrant Bodies Wash Up in Libya

On Friday, it was reported that more than at least a hundred bodies have washed up on the shores of Libya and there are also those still missing. These large numbers are due to recent boat capsizes in the Mediterranean that are causing thousands of missing people. At least 117 bodies were recovered on the shores of Libya, at total of 75 women, 36 men, and 6 children, near the Zwara. Around this time a boat carrying about 700 migrants also capsized off the coast of Crete. While 340 people were rescued with 9 bodies being recovered, there is still many that are still missing. A rescue for these individuals are still being made.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/03/europe/europe-migrants-boat-capsize/index.html

Kyla Singleton

In Defense of Globalism: The Trans-Pacific Partnership

In an Opinion column by Roger Cohen he discusses the importance of the TPP. He expresses a great deal of concern over the fact that the major candidates from both sides are not being supportive of this trade agreement. With our approval rating amazingly high in Vietnam this deal could be extremely important to our relationship with the countries involved. Not only this, but his main point, that if we let this deal fall through the cracks within our congress that China will win. As they continue to try and claim their dominance over the area not ratifying this treaty would only encourage them, and allow them, to continue their actions. It would hinder any efforts for a globalized economy and allow for China to continue to dominate the market in the region. If ratified this trade agreement would be an important boon for globalism and provide beneficial economically for all those involved.

McKenzie Parlatore

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/opinion/the-right-asian-deal-trans-pacific-partnership.html?ref=world

Surging Migrant Death Toll

The migrant crisis in Europe has been an issue for some time now, promoting both the best and worst of humanity through global politics. Unfortunately, the problem does not seem to be disappearing anytime soon. In fact, according to the New York Times, the migrant death toll is steadily increasing. With many countries shutting down their borders and doing everything they can to ward off refugees Italy has become one of the #1 destinations for migrants fleeing North African and Middle Eastern countries. In the past week alone approximately 1,000 migrants died attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Italy has managed to rescue more than 46,700 migrants this year and is urging other countries to give them assistance and not leave them alone to deal with this problem. Personally,  I think it may be time these countries being affected stop thinking about addressing or trying to prevent the symptoms, and start addressing the cause.

McKenzie Parlatore

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/05/31/world/europe/Migrant-Death-Toll-on-the-Rise-Again.html?ref=world&_r=0

Death of a legend

On June 3^rd in 2016 Muhammad Ali the greatest boxer who ever lived died at the age of seventy-four.  He spent his last few days in the hospital being treated for respiratory complications.  This boxing legend who was a three time heavy-weight world champion had been battling Parkinson's disease for three decades.  Muhammad Ali was not only an amazing fighter, but he was also a huge leader in the equality movement. 

Peter Olache

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/muhammad-ali-greatest-all-time-dead-74-n584776

Moldova Is Rattled as Washington Welcomes a Feared Tycoon

Moldova's genuinely Pro-Western Moldovians feel betrayed that U.S. Secretary of State, Victoria J. Nuland was standing "shoulder-toshoulder" with Vlad Plahotniuc, otherwise known as Plaha which is a Russian word that refers to the block of wood used in an execution. Plaha has a reputation of threatening and blackmailing others for his own gain. For example, The host of a political talk show, Natalia Morari, was threatened by one of Plaha's associates with a smear campaign that would feature an illegally filmed sex tape in her bedroom. Morari described Plaha as being for pro-corruption. With a reputation that toxic, one wonders why a U.S. politician would be caught dead speaking to him. This is obviously a large blow for the U.S. and its ties with Moldova.

-by Tyler Linthakhanh

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/world/europe/moldova-vlad-plahotniuc.html?ref=todayspaper

U.S. Sanctions Expected to Hit Small Banks’ Business With North Korea

The United States Treasury Department imposed sanctions on all foreign institutions and so, Chinese banks in particular stand to lose billions since the main goal of the sanctions are to essential cripple the North Korean market. The Treasury Department, under the Patriot Act, designated North Korea as a "primary money-laundering concern" and this give Washington the ability to be extremely aggressive in its efforts to cut down North Korea's access to American money, directly or indirectly (through China). The long and short of the matter is that non-American banks/other entities are banned from "conducting dollar transactions om behalf of North Korea". Major Chinese banks and even smaller regional banks in China have suspended North Korean accounts and even closed them. The Chinese government openly stated they are opposed to the Treasury Department's actions, but according to Jin Qiangyi, dean of the institute of Northeast Asian Studies at Yanbian University in Yanji, "the cost of sanctions by the U.S. would far outweigh the benefits of such commercial ties". I think the U.S. is in a sense bullying other countries into not "playing" with North Korea and I doubt it will be good for International Relations since it reinforces the tone that "the U.S. can do what it wants". however, I more than recognize the need to hinder North Korea's efforts at financing their military projects, particularly their WMDs.

-by Tyler Linthakhanh

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/world/asia/us-sanctions-expected-to-hit-small-banks-business-with-north-korea.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0

Carrier Truman's Jets Strike ISIS from Mediterranean

Jets from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier have been conducting airstrikes against ISIS in the past few days, including several airstrikes on Friday alone. The jets have been targeting ISIS in both Iraq and Syria and are part of the larger Operation Inherent Resolve, the US's operation to counter ISIS. The carrier recently had its deployment extended by a month to a total of 7 months, and has so far launched 1,110 missiles and completed 1,407 air missions. The timing of these missions is great for the Iraqi troops due to the ongoing campaign to recapture Fallujah. Hopefully these airstrikes will limit the reinforcements and response from ISIS during the battle of Fallujah.

Luke Blocker
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/06/04/carrier-trumans-jets-strike-isil-mediterranean/85413954/

In Paris, the Seine Rises to Highest Level Since 1982

In the aftermath o  a series of heavy rain falls   has  overwhelmed flooded the streets of pairs. It is estimated that the water levels have reached 20 feet. whc.  This lead to a power outage of over 20,000 homes in the Seine-et-Marane area in the South of Paris. To  take precautions and prevent any potential damage to city the infrastructure  workers in Paris have constructed a special barrier that protects an underground electric transform station that provides power to 80,000 residennts in the  Seventh and Eighth  Arrondissements.  The  city's government have  moved it operations from the
Élysée Palace  to the  Château de Vincennes  incase the water increase any further.   As a safety precaution to preserver the citys long and proud tradition  of art it has order the evacuation of artworks from the  Louvre which consist of  150,000 artworks  in storage rooms  and  7,000 pieces  of art in galleries. It has closed  other cultural institutions   including the :   Musée d’Orsa a former train station,  The  Musée du Quai Branly , an art museum which primarily of non western art and the   Bibliothèque Nationale building.


Thomas Baggot
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/world/europe/paris-flooding-seine-louvre.html?ref=world&_r=0

"Four Dead From Flooding Around Paris"

After weeks of heavy rain, the Seine continues to flood with water levels now reaching about 20 feet. While Paris is protected by embankments along the river that can withstand water levels of up to 28 feet, the city has been preparing for the worst. The Louvre Museum has begun moving artwork from the basement level to higher floors in case the river water combines with groundwater and floods the basement. Unfortunately, four people have died from the resulting floods. One was an elderly man who fell from his horse and was swept away by the current. French officials expect that it will take weeks for the Seine to return to normal, but more rain has been forecast for the next few days. The flooding has also hurt the tourist industry in France which has already been struggling in the wake of the Paris attacks and worker strikes.

Meredith Teuscher

 http://www.wsj.com/articles/paris-river-levels-start-to-recede-1465036363

Colombia seeks end to farmers' strike after 2 deaths

After five days of strikes by indigenous farmers in Colombia, the government is attempting to negotiate with them. The farmers, from 20 of Colombia's 32 provinces, are striking to demand the government to honor rural spending commitments made during a much deadlier strike back in 2013. Negotiations finally started after two protesters were killed and dozens more weer injured following a clash with police. According to government officials, the violence was a result of the National Liberal Army, a rebel group, infiltrating protests and inciting violence. The farmers have not backed down, though. Coming from long-neglected indigenous communities, they are continuing to strike and block major highways until the government gives in to their demands.

Emily Alaimo

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/colombia-seeks-end-to-farmers-strike-after-2-deaths/2016/06/03/01443cd2-29db-11e6-8329-6104954928d2_story.html

"UN asking expert panel to assess Zika risk at Rio Olympics"

After being asked to evaluate the Zika outbreak in Brazil, WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, will hold a conference with the U.N. to discuss the threat the virus will pose to both athletes and spectators of the coming Olympics this summer. So far, Brazil has been the hardest hit out the the 60 countries affected by the Zika virus and has seen nearly 1,500 birth defects linked directly to Zika. Unfortunately, experts within the WHO have assessed that canceling or postponing the Olympics will not diminish the threat that the virus poses to the rest of the world and the WHO has not seen an overall decline in the epidemic since February. However, because the Olympics will take place during Brazil's winter, the WHO and the U.N. agency have predicted that there will be fewer mosquitoes to transfer the virus during the time frame of the event.

Meredith Teuscher

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2016/06/03/un-experts-being-asked-to-examine-zika-risk-at-rio-games/85341404/

King Tut’s Dagger Made of ‘Iron From the Sky,’ Researchers Say

Researchers have determined that the iron blade of a dagger buried in Egypt with King Tutankhamen probably came from a fallen meteorite. This iron and blade was highly praised by the Egyptians that they called it "iron from the sky". This particular dagger has long interested historians and archaeologists because of its shear beauty and marvelous mystery of creation and ironwork. With the use of X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry, both Egyptaian and Italian experts have concluded that the blade's composition of iron, nickel and cobalt are an approximate match for a meteorite that landed in Northern Egypt. These results "strongly suggests an extraterrestrial origin" for the dagger's blade and these findings could add to secrets that have been unlocked from ancient tombs that are still seen as global fascinations since the dagger's findings in 1925. These findings might also help explain why, from the 13th century B.C., Egyptians started using a hieroglyph that translates as “iron from the sky,” from 13th century BC

Hailey Brzoska

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/world/middleeast/king-tuts-dagger-made-of-iron-from-the-sky-researchers-say.html

Iraqi Forces: Small Number of Airstrikes Slow Fallujah Push

Iraqi forces are currently fighting to retake Fallujah from ISIS to capitalize on the recent retreat of the terrorist group. However, fighting is stalled in the outskirts of Fallujah due to thousands of civilians being in the city among ISIS militants. The Iraqi forces quickly took the outskirts of Fallujah with the help of US-led airstrikes, but now have little to no air forces at their disposal. The bombing coalition is unable to conduct airstrikes in Fallujah due to the large amount of civilians, except for a few strikes on a weapons cache and a tunnel system. Since Wednesday, only four airstrikes have been conducted. The Iraqi forces are heavily dependent on airstrikes, and without them they could be fighting for Fallujah much longer than they wanted to.

Luke Blocker

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/06/02/iraqi-forces-airstrikes-fallujah/85302464/

Isis terror plot in Germany: Four Syrian men arrested for allegedly planning suicide bombings in Düsseldorf

Four Syrian men were arrested in Germany for planning a suicide bombing. Three men came into Europe through refugee routes, where they convinced the fourth man to join them. All four men have been linked to ISIS.
The men were supposedly planning two suicide bombings while having additional attackers with guns, much like the Paris and Brussels attacks.
One of the men told French prosecutors about the planned attack on February 1st, and he is awaiting extradition to Germany. The other three men are already being detained in Germany.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/isis-terror-plot-in-germany-four-syrian-men-arrested-for-allegedly-planning-suicide-bombings-in-a7061356.html

--Melissa Widel

Germany declares 1915 Armenian killings a “genocide”

Germany declares 1915 Armenian killings a “genocide”

Tensions are already high between EU countries establishing agreements regarding the large flux of migrants. Now, strains between Germany and Turkey may worsen after the German parliament passes a symbolic resolution that recognizes the 1915 massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman forces as genocide. The 1915 massacre referred to is the killing of between 600,000 and 1.5 million Armenians and other minorities that were killed by Ottoman Turkey during World War One. This resolution passed with majority agreeing (one vote against it, and one vote abstained), which Turkey fears may lead to demands for huge reparations. Turkey has already responded to the French parliament and Pope Francis by recalling Turkey’s ambassador to them, as the Turkish president chooses to use “mass killings” instead of “genocide” to acknowledge the massacre. The United States and Britain are among the few countries, which do not call the massacre a genocide.

I found it interesting that Turkey will acknowledge the event, but find the term genocide to be a distorted and unfounded description. I am curious to see how Turkey responds to the German parliament in the upcoming weeks.

Jessy Krempp

Article: http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/02/europe/germany-turkey-armenian-genocide/index.html

Militias in Libya Advance on ISIS Stronghold of Surt With Separate Agendas

Two different Libyan militias have recently been making progress in taking back the city of Surt from ISIS. Surt is a very important base for ISIS, being the base for thousands of foreign fighters. When the city was taken by them a few years ago, it was considered a large blow. Now, two different militias on both the west and east of Surt are moving towards the city, taking land back. Recently, one of the groups obtained the power plant about 20 miles outside of the city, while the other has also been making progress in bordering cities.
While this is easing some minds in the West, who's focuses are on weakening the forces that make up ISIS, many are worried that it will create a divide between the west and east of Libya, and commence fighting between the two sides. This would eliminate the shaky peace that has been created with the presence of ISIS in Libya.

-Sarah Beck
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/02/world/africa/militias-in-libya-advance-on-isis-stronghold-of-surt-with-separate-agendas.html?ref=world

North Korea’s Missile Tests Timed to Bolster Standing with China, Analysts Say

North Korea's military programs have been greatly advancing in the last few years. Recently, North Korea has done many missile tests as a part of their Musudan program, most of which have failed in the last few months. On Wednesday, North Korea released a video displayed the successful flight test for its first submarine-launched ballistic missile. However, the timing of this video release is especially notable, with it happening right before a meeting between Chinese and North Korean officials. In addition to this, officials from China and the United States are also planning to meet in the next week in large part to discuss North Korea's active military and nuclear pursuits. The United States has been proposing sanctions between China and North Korea, however China has always been hesitant to agree based on the US's presence in South Korea. North Korea's recent attempts at military swaggering and missile tests show that Kim Jong-un is very eager to showcase his country's power in light of these recent meetings, despite the demonstration's shortcomings.

-Sarah Beck
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/world/asia/north-korea-musudan-missile.html?ref=world&_r=0

Oil boom

In recent news the Saudi people fired Ali Naimi, who served as the oil minister in the country for many years. He was actually planning on retiring, but the people of the country had other ideas. They replaced him with Khalid al- Falih. He plans to greatly expand he oil development from 10.2 to 12.5 million barrels a day. This article stuck out to me because I find it very interesting how important oil is in our world and I'm curious of how much an impact the jump in production will be.

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/saudi-arabia/2016-05-24/saudi-arabias-oil-strategy-time-glut
Pat Gallagher

Former Miss Turkey Convicted of insulting Erdogan

Merve Buyuksarac, a former Miss Turkey, was convicted on Tuesday for supposedly insulting President Erdogan on her social media page.  A Turkish court in Istanbul found Buyuksarac guilty of slander against Erdogan and sentenced her to 14 months, but suspended the sentence on the condition that she does not "re offend" in the next five years. Buyuksarac is denying any ill postings towards President Erdogan and her lawyer claims they will take the case to the European Court of Justice to fight the sentencing. This is not the first time Erdogan has been upset with a post concerning him on Social Media. Other Turkish and non Turkish citizens have felt the wrath of Erdogan.  Erdogan has filed over 2,000 cases of defamation since coming into office.With incidents like this occurring more and more often, many have noted that Turkey has become far more authoritarian than democratic since Erdogan entered as president and close eye should be kept on the country to ensure that democracy does not completely deteriorate. 
Ashley Clayton 
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/01/world/middleeast/miss-turkey-convicted-erdogan.html?ref=world&_r=0

Donald Trump to Visit Britain

Amidst talk of banning him from the country, public ridicule of his policies, and public disapproval of his ideals and morals, Donald Trump will still be visiting Britain in late June. Trump is set to make an appearance at the opening of his Scottish golf course on June 24th. It is speculated that the trip will largely be surrounding business and not political talk. The visit will likely be awkward for the British since they have publicly shown their distaste for Trump. His visit also comes at a pivotal time for the British, on June 23 they will vote on whether or not to remain members of the EU and the Trump visit will follow directly after this major decision. Many Britons are struggling with his appearance and it will be very interesting to see how it all plays out.

Ashley Clayton
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/donald-trump-will-visit-britain-setting-up-a-likely-hostile-reception/2016/06/01/28a13d7b-7d7f-4bc7-adde-f351b0c938e6_story.html

Completion of the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland Makes it More Difficult for the UK to leave the EU

The government of Switzerland held a ceremony of sorts and announced the completion of a 17 year project, which will make it possible to travel through the Alps. This opens up a new trade route, making it more efficient to transport goods, cutting travel times from up to 2 hours and 40 minutes to a 17 minute trip.

This type of project makes the EU a lot more legitimate and helpful to the nations involved. It opens up trade routes through fairly-open borders, and makes EU trade a lot more efficient and worthwhile for the UK to continue investing in. The opening of the Gotthard Tunnel opened the door for criticism of the potential UK split by other prominent leaders in the EU, including Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande.

Will this actually affect the outcome of the UK's vote? Only time will tell.

Kevin Oyakawa
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36423250

Patrons of Vegan Cafe Are Pelted With Meat in Tbilisi, Georgia

An attack began Sunday evening inside the Kiwi Café (a popular spot for foreigners and Georgians alike) where it was reported that at least a dozen men came in carrying "slabs of meat on skewers" and began "pelting patrons with grilled meat, sausages and fish". The Café  claimed the assailants were anti-vegan extremists due to the atrocities they convicted while wearing sausages around their necks. It has been said that the police were called; however all the attackers fled and no one was officially arrested for their crimes. It is unclear as to whether the incident was a violent prank, a revolt in opposition to veganism, or just a part of a nationalist attack against Western liberalism and the values epitomized by the Café. There has been a growth of nationalists in Georgia who question the recent arrival of Western ideologies, such as gay marriage and gay rights, and it is speculated that this may be the cause of this recent attack. Because Georgia is a very conservative country and the Georgian Orthodox church is very influential, there is much pushback against allowing  foreign influence to partake in their social society. The Kiwi Café, where the meat attacks occurred, "attracts hipsters, gays, and people who are different". And all of these things symbolize the liberal Western values that are being questioned throughout the current Georgian society. 

Hailey Brzoska

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/06/01/world/europe/patrons-of-vegan-cafe-are-pelted-with-meat-in-tbilisi-georgia.html